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Oakland Raiders: Don’t Make the Inevitable Trade of Derrick Burgess!
Published: May 22, 2009
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A month after I wrote that the Raiders would be trading Derrick Burgess, it may be about to happen. I hope it does not!
Sure, it would make sense! A team that failed to meet all of it’s pass-rushing needs, in the draft, would need a man like Burgess. He’s a former pro-bowl DE. He’s recovered from injury. He’s in great shape and could be a pass-rushing force again. He’s 31 and may not want to be in Oakland anymore.
I identified teams like the Lions, Bills, and Patriots as his likely suitors. What I find surprising is that New England didn’t fill their pass-rushing needs, with all of the picks they had in last month’s draft.
Now, they want Burgess. Don’t give him to them, Al! While a second or third rounder is a fair trade, I believe the Raiders would regret it. If this trade had been for a 2009 second or third rounder, during the draft, then it would have been better for the team. The Raiders could’ve drafted a player to help this year’s team.
Barring that, we would lose perhaps our best defensive lineman, and weaken our depth at DE, at the same time. We’d be willing to gamble that Trevor Scott is ready to fill Burgess’ shoes. Then, if Scott got hurt…what then?
Why help an American Conference playoff-caliber team solve a weakness? Should the Raiders be a playoff-caliber team themselves, wouldn’t strengthening a possible playoff foe, be a MISTAKE? That draftpick can’t strengthen us until 2010!
The Raider D is young and short on experience. Burgess is an experienced veteran who’s capable of providing much needed wisdom and leadership. We have no one who can replace him in this regard.
My belief is, that the Raiders have made enough improvements, to challenge for this year’s AFC West crown. Derrick Burgess is ready to have another good year. Whether he’s able to play every game, or not, he’ll be used smartly by new DC John Marshall.
I can’t see how this trade can help the 2009 Raiders. It only weakens us on the verge of going back to the playoffs. How many of you are sick and tired of losing seasons in Oakland? I know! Unless, the Raiders can get an impact player, in return, we have to keep the one we already have!
If the Raiders go through with the inevitable trading of Derrick Burgess, they will inevitably weaken their D and strengthen a foe’s.
